PARKWAY: LOOKING BACK AT 2007
Change of Preachers: A major change took place when our minister, Pancho Hobbes, moved to Oklahoma at the end of January.
Fortunately, we had capable men—Stanley Winters, Chris Brinkley, Mark Watkins, and Morgan McGowain—who were willing to
fill in on the preaching until a new preacher could be found. And the search was on! A Search Committee was formed, ads were placed,
and the responses began rolling in. Over 30 resumes were received. The committee was able to narrow down the number of candidates
with phone interviews, and we were finally down to 6. Each of those 6 came to speak here at Parkway. We met some very impressive
workers in God’s Kingdom and heard some great Bible teaching, but we could only choose one. So, on September 26, Brother Gary
Davenport of Mentor, OH, came with his wife, Terry, to be our new minister. We spent what was left of the year getting to know each
other, and we look forward to a great 2008 together!
Baptisms, Attendance, and Giving: 15 people were born into Christ through baptism. Our average Sunday morning attendance was 224,
and our average contribution was just over $5200 (that includes the Spanish Ministry contribution which had not been factored in on previous
years). 184 different visitors walked through our doors—what an opportunity! 15 individuals and families placed membership.
New Carpet and Chairs: Parkway got a new “look” in 2007. New carpet and flooring was installed on the ground floor, and all of our
auditorium chairs were replaced with new ones.
Ministries Active: Our various ministries were active in 2007.
Youth. The youth attended the California State Youth Conference in April and Sierra Bible Camp in June. Then, in August, Parkway youth
held their very own Youth Rally.
Education. VBS was held every Wednesday evening throughout the summer. Basketball Program. Our basketball outreach program held
several sessions over the year.
LIFE Groups. Life Groups took place most Sunday evenings from February to November, with a break in the summer as we heard from
the preacher candidates. One of the Life Groups organized the Independence Day celebration in July and the Senior Saints in October.
Spanish. The Spanish Ministry began a Ladies Bible Class on Thursday mornings.
Education. The Education Ministry continued to make sure that there were classes and teachers for all of our members and children. They
reviewed many curriculums in order to begin a new one that they believe will serve our children the best.
Missions. Missions sent Laura Abello to Venezuela in January to speak at a Preachers’ Wives Retreat and Steven Stansberry and Pancho
Hobbes to Nicaragua in June to see the work being done there by the preachers that Parkway helps support. In September, David Ramirez
and Steven Stansberry shared their experiences on that trip with the Parkway congregation. Two preachers were added to those we support
in Nicaragua for a total of 11 in that country. Veronica Rayfield, who was partially supported by Parkway Missions, returned from New
Zealand after about 18 months there on the AIM program.
Family Life. The Family Life Ministry sponsored a 3-day cruise to Ensenada, Mexico, which was greatly enjoyed by all who went. They
also began to plan and prepare for several events and classes for 2008.
Area-Wide. The Area-Wide Worship was held at Parkway this year. Randy Wray of Stockton spoke to us about “A Word to the World”.
Other Activities. Many other activities took place—a sewing class was given by Eleanor Francis, there were several building clean-ups, baby
showers were given for Parkway’s newest additions, a “Man in the Mirror” class for the men was begun, “Women of the Word” returned after
having taken a break, the annual Thanksgiving Dinner was enjoyed by all, and a food drive and clothing drive at the end of the year reached
out to the community.
Significant Family Events. Much was going on in the lives of Parkway members, also. Here are just a few.
Tim and Lillian Contreras celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
Annie Abram passed away in May.
Debra Winters walked to save unborn babies.
Kamika Whetstone wrote and presented a play to the public about foster youth.
Health. Several members had some major surgery done and/or dealt with health issues.
New Babies. Babies were born to Steven and Michelle Stansberry, Ashia Robinson, Claudia Caudillo, Mona Fruean, Keith and Marianna
Johnson, and Daryl and Yvette Evans.
Careers. Erin Steinert became a Park Ranger.
Graduations. Carlos Abello, Patrick Daily, Estelle Ekpo, Malecca Fruean, Jamila Fulmer, and Keith Moorman all graduated from high school.
Major Vacations. The Winters family toured the U.S. in their van.
Accomplishments. Eleanor Francis appeared in the musical production “Sounds of the City”. Wanda Ward attended the Singles Seminar in Chicago. Partings. Newton Ekpo resigned as elder.
All in all, it was quite an eventful year. It’s hard to believe everything took place in a year’s space of time. Now as we enter a new year, we
have a blank page before us waiting to be written on. Let’s all work together to write a best-seller for 2008!